RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Walberton

The housing stock in Walberton presents unique challenges that make a RICS Level 3 Survey essential. Many properties in the village date from the Victorian era, with some terraced houses built as early as 1855 along The Street and in the original village centre. These older properties often feature traditional brick construction with lime mortar pointing, which behaves differently from modern cement-based mortars. Our surveyors understand how to assess these historic construction methods and identify issues such as rising damp, timber rot, and deterioration of original features that might not be apparent to an untrained eye.

The area also contains numerous properties from the interwar period, with substantial detached houses dating to around 1928 appearing on roads like Barnham Lane and West Walberton Lane. These 1920s properties often incorporate different construction techniques and materials compared to both Victorian and modern homes. Understanding the specific defects common to this era of construction is crucial for accurate assessment. Additionally, Walberton Village is a designated conservation area, meaning many properties are subject to planning constraints that affect what alterations are possible. Our surveyors provide guidance on these conservation considerations as part of the standard Level 3 assessment.

West Sussex geology can include areas of clay soil, which poses a shrink-swell risk during periods of drought or excessive rainfall. This ground movement can cause subsidence or settlement issues in properties across Walberton, particularly affecting older buildings with shallower foundations. Our Level 3 Survey includes assessment of potential foundation movement and structural instability related to ground conditions. We examine walls for cracking patterns that might indicate subsidence, heave, or other structural movement, and we provide guidance on whether specialist foundation investigations are warranted.

While Walberton sits inland from the coast and therefore avoids coastal erosion concerns, properties near the River Arun catchment area should be aware of potential surface water and fluvial flood risk during periods of heavy rainfall. Our surveyors note flood risk indicators and advise on appropriate investigations where warranted.

• Victorian properties built before 1900
• Period homes from the 1920s-1930s
• Properties in conservation areas
• New build homes at Sylvan Meadows
• Detached houses over £500,000
• Any property with visible defects

The Sylvan Meadows development by David Wilson Homes on Tye Lane represents modern construction in Walberton. Located at postcode BN18 0PS, this development offers a range of property types including 2-bedroom semi-detached homes like The Primrose, 4-bedroom link-detached houses such as The Freiston, and bungalows including The Buckland. While new build properties typically have fewer defects than older homes, a Level 3 Survey remains valuable for identifying any building defects, issues with snagging, or problems with specification and finish quality.

Modern construction techniques including cavity wall construction, concrete tiled roofs, and uPVC windows each have their own common defect patterns that our surveyors know to look for. Even though these properties are new, our Level 3 Survey can identify issues that may not be apparent during a visual viewing. With properties potentially exceeding £500,000 for the larger detached homes, the investment in a thorough survey provides valuable negotiation leverage if defects are found. The development also participates in the First Homes scheme, making it particularly popular with first-time buyers who may be less familiar with property condition issues.

New builds at Sylvan Meadows feature modern amenities including EV charging points and solar panels on some plots. Our surveyors assess these installations as part of the overall property condition, checking that they have been properly installed and are functioning correctly. We also verify that the property meets current building regulations and flag any installations that may require certification or specialist inspection. The development benefits from 7.2 acres of public open space, which our surveyors can comment on regarding maintenance responsibilities and any estate charges.

Even new properties can experience issues such as inadequate ventilation leading to condensation, problems with window seals, or defects in appliance installations. Our detailed assessment provides for buyers at Sylvan Meadows and ensures any issues are identified before completion, giving you leverage to request corrections from the developer.